Eldredge Sewing Machine

Today the ReStore shop has for sale an Eldredge Sewing Machine. At one time, I did quite a bit of sewing so I’m always interested in antique sewing machines, vintage patterns, material, thread, or sewing notions.

Vintage Improved Eldredge Sewing Machine in Wooden Cabinet

This is actually a vintage Improved Eldredge Sewing Machine in a wooden sewing cabinet located near the front of the store. Apparently, this sewing machine is one of the new items which just came in and Eric opened it up so I could see it.

The photograph below, shows the vintage Eldredge Sewing Machine in the ready to sew position. This vintage sewing machine’s black metal body is decorated with elaborate gold designs. The wooden cabinet has four pull-out drawers for sewing supplies, scissors, tape measures, thread, etc.

The whole machine looks like a well-made piece of art, however, it does show signs of wear with faded gold designs.

Not sure if you can still sew with it or not. I guess it all depends if the sewing machine needs any parts and if they are still available.

It is extremely difficult to tell the age of a Eldredge Sewing Machine. If I had to guess, I noticed the front of this sewing machine did not have a circular gold National Sewing Machine Badge or plate, so I suspect it was made before 1890 when the company name was changed.

However, I was unable to read anywhere when their sewing machines began to carry the gold National Sewing Machine Badge.

History of the Eldredge Sewing Machine Company

This history of the Eldredge Sewing Machines goes back to after the Civil War when Barnabus Eldredge of Cleveland, Ohio produced an improved sewing machine.

His first plant was in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts but he moved it to Chicago, Illinois where his sewing machines were produced by June Manufacturing Company.

When it became difficult to find skilled workers in Chicago, the plant moved to Belvidere, Illinois. Workers had a life-time job with the company, if they wanted it, and did not face age discrimination.

In 1890, the Eldredge and the June companies merged and became the National Sewing Machine Company. The company started out small but eventually covered over 20 acres of land.

The National Sewing Machine Company also produced bikes, washing machines, vices, and food grinders.

Then the SINGER sewing machine company introduced a new featherweight sewing machine which became very popular so fewer heavier sewing machines were sold.

After World War II, the National Sewing Machine Company tried to compete, but it eventually went out of business in 1953. At that time, the United States market had quite a few sewing machines manufactured in Japan.

Heavy Versus Light Weight Sewing Machines

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: I still have my Aunt Martha’s portable sewing machine which was made in the 1950’s. She used it to sew curtains and mend clothing. I store it in the cellar but it is extremely heavy to pick up any very awkward to move anywhere. I can definitely see why consumers wanted light weight sewing machines.

Other Items today for Sale in the ReStore Shop

I want to add a few additional items to the Eldredge Sewing Machine Blog because I find these two items equally of interest.

Small Oval Top Wooden Table with a Clipper Ship Design

The next item I would like to blog about is a small wooden oval table with an interesting vintage clipper sailing ship imprinted in black paint on the locking bottom drawer, (see below center photograph).

The small table has nicely turned legs and a scalloped bottom drawer.

The table top is worn and probably needs to be refinished The black imprinted clipper sailing ship gives the table a very unique look. I was not able to find anything similar online.

Vintage-Look Coffee Mill

The last piece I would like to blog about is the below photograph of the vintage-looking coffee mill. This mill is used for grinding whole coffee beans. Many people think that freshly ground coffee beans makes a better cup of coffee.

The colonial coffee mill is made by the Wrightsville Hardware Company as per the paper tag. It is made out of pine with a dovetailed box and drawer. The top is made out of decorative cast iron metal. Online coffee mills similar to this one retails any where from $30 to $60.

However, there is a price tag over part of the label, so I was not able to tell what number this coffee mill is. It looks to be in great shape.

Brief History of the Wrightsville Hardware Company, PA

The Wrightsville Hardware Company in Pennsylvania was established back in 1880 with Colonel Magee as the president. The first foundry building was only 50 x 60 feet in dimension and only employed 12 molders.

The Wrightsville Hardware Company made cast iron products such as bed casters, builder’s hardware, anvil paperweights, calendar stands, hat and coat hooks, hammers, fish scalers, toys and tools. They even made a mechanical bank shaped as a vintage camera.

In 1947 they began to make souvenirs and gifts.

In the 1960’s the John Wright Company acquired the complete product line from the Wrightsville Hardware Company. The John Wright Company now focuses on reproduction and shutter hardware. Their catalogue shows vintage-looking cast iron hinges, trivets, steamers, tree stands and cookware. They also sell steel and stainless steel products.

To my eyes, this coffee mill doesn’t have the usual signs of wear that a vintage one would have, so I’m thinking this is a reproduction.

Eldredge Sewing Machine Blog Ending Notes

I really didn’t expect to see an Eldredge Sewing Machine today in the ReStore shop but that’s the magic of things. You never know what is going to be donated and come through those doors.

I hope my Readers have found this trip to the ReStore to be as fascinating as I have.

Happy ReStore Shopping!

Today all the above items are for sale this week in the ReStore shop in the Reston/Herndon area. A big Thank You to Paul for allowing me to take photographs and blog about their always bargain packed store. Also, a thank you to Eric.